Senate Transportation Committee Chair State Senator Martin Sandoval (D-Chicago) voted recently on a measure aimed at providing a reasonable set of standards for commercial ridesharing companies, ensuring public safety and protecting Illinois citizens.

House Bill 4075, named the Ridesharing Arrangements and Consumer Protection Act, will require commercial ridesharing companies to have adequate insurance, contract with drivers who are appropriately licensed, use vehicles that are inspected for safety and serve customers with disabilities and in underserved communities.

“Companies like UberX, Lyft and Sidecar have recently entered Illinois communities to provide transportation services that have always required special licensure and strict compliance with local public safety rules,” Sandoval said. “Right now, these companies are providing thousands of rides a day without adequate insurance. It is only a matter of time before a tragedy occurs and an innocent person is left without recourse.”

The Illinois General Assembly passed the Ridesharing Arrangements Act in 1983 to permit carpooling and other similar activities. The legislation was narrowly crafted to prohibit alternative taxi services from operating in the state. UberX, Lyft and Sidecar have been openly operating in the City of Chicago and the city’s affluent suburbs without abiding by any regulations.

This measure has passed both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Martin Sandoval (D-11) took the opportunity on the senate floor to recognize Burbank Fire Chief Sean Maloy, VP of the IL Fire Chiefs Association, for his leadership and commitment to the people in his region.

“Chief Maloy of Bedford Park is a credit to his profession,” said Senator Sandoval.  “May God bless him and his effort to protect our families.”

The Bedford Park Fire Department is located in one of the most unique villages in the southwest suburbs due to its small residential area surrounded by manufacturing, tank farms, a major railroad switching yard, an inter-modal facility and a hotel and retail corridor. 

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – State Senator Martin Sandoval (D-Chicago) was the guest of honor at the annual Federation of Charros conference where he was recognized for his hard work and dedication as a statesman.

“I thank the Federation of Charros for their continued effort to promote and preserve the rich traditions of Mexican and American Rodeo and it’s culture,” said Senator Sandoval. “Community involvement is a big part of this organization and as long as I am able, the Federation can count on me for support.”

Charros dedicate countless hours of training and spend thousands of dollars to learn and execute official competition in a controlled, safe and professional manner. Mexican rodeo has extensive rules of competition and animal welfare that ensure a reasonably safe environment for all competitors and livestock. Contemporary competition and safety rules are very similar to American rodeo.

SPRINGFIELD – With the new concealed carry law, business locations may post a graphic “no-guns-allowed” sign. State Senator Martin Sandoval (D-11) hosted members of Moms In Action (MIA) at his State Capitol office to hear their proposal to replace the pictoral sign with a written version instead. The purpose of removing the image of the gun from the sign is to ease the worry of a potential threat when patronizing local businesses.

Moms In Action is a group of moms of all ages who meet monthly for fellowship, growth in their relationship with Christ, and to serve others and the community.